Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Been a busy busy week and it's only Wednesday! Monday night had CT and seen the DR again had a scope though my nose while in the office last minute thing.. Wasn't very pleasent back again today with CT films in hand, surgery is scheduled for end of July Mon & Wed have pre ops stuff and concent forms paper work, etc. Treatment week of remicade too. Another CT scan next week and the week after. After the surgery about the 5th day and there after for a couple weeks will have to have the DR replace bandages, remove splints and mini ice packs that will be inpacked in my nose. Won't be able to breathe through my nose for the first week because of this, no sneezing or blowing... YIKES!! After the sinus surgery, rebreaking of the nose and strightened of the deviated septum and clearing up all the blockages and whatever else tey need to do.... I maybe able to breathe again without having cronic sinus infections.. I will have a bad one from surgery they expect that and a couple procedures will need to be done afterwards.. Kinda shot my whole summer plans out! Will be going away Aug.for a week or so before school starts again Aug. 30th. my DD started summer reading camp this week at school last day July 20th (I think thats the day of my surgery too)

Need to find out the dates of the State fair I was planning on doing a spinning demo with the guild ladies... depends on the timing.

Some were asking about this TENS unit machine thingy I have now attached to the hipheres a picture and link to a site with a little more info. The unit cost my insurance company $725.00. This is the link to the model I have pictured here. and a little cheaper. If nothing else works GREAT for those knitters painful wrists, arms tendons, elbows, hands...not sure about everything else yet still too new to me to know.last night I finished my first sock from the whenever sock kit group list. Still waiting for my bottle swap to arrive from that list too. The list is great you don't have to order every month whenever, participate as much or as little as you like.. Come on over! Laura did a wonderful job with this pattern and choose AWESOME yarn. Louet Gems Opal 100% merino superwash... Her new book Friendly Socks will also be out soon to!! I pre-ordered a signed bookplate number copy lucky #13~lots of sneak peaks on her blogIt was so much fun knitting this design and will be a nice cushioned heel too...I'm awaiting some more of the cuff yarn as soon as it arrives the mate will be done in a jiffy for sure!Another swap arrived which I don't usually post all my swaps unless there from SPs..... but I had to I feel so privedged and spoiled I had to show a couple off. I was only expecting the yarns and they were stuffed in this lovely felted bag for me.. Suprise I had to show it off.. Nice thick fabic and very roomy. Thank you so much rmturtle from the knitty boards It's GREAT!not only that I sure am feeling spoiled looksie what the kitty found in the mail today!! She must inspect!another swap from Sadie j from the knitty boards My new spinning toy a Navajo Spindle and look at all the churro wool roving in chocolate brown on the right not sure what type of wool on the left, which I wasn't expecting all that and she included an extra surprise to she knows me so well.. Sock yarn! A skein of Sockotta... so I will think of her everytime I wear my new socks.. I LOVE this color too. I sure feel like I'm being spoiled....by such sweet & generous ladies! Aren't other knitters just the BESTest people in the WORLD!HUGE HUGs & THANK YOUs!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Reenie from the knitty boards has requested a flash peak of future socks, and yes about 98% of these have plans and patterns picked out...I'm only posting offical sock yarns not other yarns I use for socks....I'd be here all day....lol Please keep in mind that this is 98% of my complete stash! ;o)) Some are spoken for and recented purchased for SPs but included anyway.. Enough here for 100+ pairs of socks!! I really didn't know how much I had until I started taking these pictures.. I have it stored well!!

Ready here we go! starting with my cube of sock yarns is 14" x 14" then of course my WIPs which is separate here's whats inside

Monday, June 26, 2006

Have a fixation for more summer socks with cascade fixation fit like the peds use too. Used size 3 and 36 sts fits ok but next pair will use size 2 and 40 sts...Curious to see the difference in fabric....

Sunday, June 25, 2006

The Polls are open now for my Herb Chicken recipe...feel free to stop by and vote anytime from now until Friday.....Thank you for your continued support...

Also made a big batch of conditioner for the summer..Apple Mint scent is what I'm calling it.. I love the texture feel silky soft. leave in or rinse out.. Great for the ends and we enjoying diluting it 1:8 or so for a anytime spritz and detangular. Use on wet/dry hair, never leaves a sticky feeling but acts better than anything I ever bought and the best part No FRIZZ!!! Now I like my perm......lol trying to grow out that acquard stage

Friday, June 23, 2006

You can calculate yards per pound easily by winding a single bobbin of yarn to a skeinwith a known diameter - say 2 yards.Then weight that skein carefully.Count the number of strands (rounds) in the skein and multiply by thediameter of the skein. You now have xxx yards of yarn that weighs x ounces. Divide the yards by ounces and multiply by 16. You have yards per pound of yarn, assuming that you spin prettyconsistently.To know how many yards for your blanket, then compare your ypp withcommercial yarn, knit a test swatch, and spin a bit extra to allow for it.

Approx. estimates for projects

Remember There is never too much Fiber! LOL

Alway's purchase more than you think you will need for a project..Just like yarn fiber does have a dye lot.

These amounts are estimates. Design, thickness of yarn, size will effect amounts.

First when choosing a particular yarn for a garment or accessory keep in mind the way it will be used once finished and the effect you want either color or texture as well.

Yarns for Baby's - are treated to be softer and to be and to withhold frequent washing & drying. Best yarns are baby or fingering weights in 100% wool for white lacy heirloom shawls, sport weights nylon/acrylic blends worsted weights with pearlized threads nylon/acrylic blends and 100% wool in the softer colors for cozy type of sweaters and booties

Crisp Cool yarns - 100% cotton, cotton blends, silks and linen are also great for summer but can be used all year round as well.Hardwearing of course a plus.Also used for throws and cushions too. Worsted weights, denim yarn fades and ages like jeans, tweed yarns with a touch of silk are great for holiday wear. worsted DK cotton great for crisp ribbed sweaters, worstedDK linen with or without viscose has great draping quality, sport weight mercerized cottons have great sheen, and also a cotton slinky ribbon yarn is great for summer evening wear

These can be worked in any size or different sizes, alternating for a wave type effect. You can sew tassels to the points if desired or add beads to the points.

cast on 2 stsrow 1 K2row 2 yo, k2row 3 yo, k3row 4 yo, k4

continue until desired point is reached working in even amounts of increases countiue from beg of patt with another needle until desired length is achieved. knit across all the points continue to garter stich to your item and cast off.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

What does one do when giving yourself a time out break? hmmmmYes your looking at 235932 stitches for these babies. Used size 1 2.25mm Britney DPNsusing Opal Silk #1121 yarn pattern designed by Sue Morgan (includes a gift pouch which I haven't made yet)cast on 60 sts. Fit medium adult...Fits me perfectly !!!I counted each and every last stitch including the grafting stitches in the toes....117966 stitches each sock.. I have #1120 to do too....another 235932 stitches to go! I just love this yarn and they soften up with each washing too..

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Alpaca - hair from the alpaca (llama)Angora - hair from the angora rabbitCashmere - hair from the cashmere goatCotton - plant fibre from the boil of the cotton plantLambswool - sheeps first sheering usually the softestLinen - plant fibre fromt he stem of the flax plantMerino wool - from the fleece of merino sheepMohair - from the angora goat, the softer and finer kid mohair is from the kid goatShetland wool - traadionally from the shetland sheepSilk - continuous filament secreted by the silkworm larvaWool - from the fleece of a sheep

Acrylic, polyester & nylon - made from petro-checmicals, nylon is the strongest textile fibre, elastane is an elastic fibre

Fiber Characteristics

Fiber Where it comes from Fiber characteristics

Alpaca Hair of an alpaca Comes in many natural colors Lustrous, strong fibers NonresilientAngora Hair of an angora rabbit Silky, soft fiber Expensive Lofty/fluffy Can be dyed Extremely warm for its weightCamel Down from a Bactrian camel (two humps) Available in "camel" color only does not accept dye Very warm FragileCashmere Undercoat hair from a cashmere goat Expensive Very soft Fragile and delicateCotton Inside the pod of a cotton plant Heavy Nonelastic Accepts dye well Stretches Absorbent Noninsulating Stronger wet than dry Machine washableLinen Inside stalk of a flax plant Extremely strong Takes dye well, but is often left natural Becomes smoother and softer with age Absorbent Quick-drying Nonelastic Nonpilling Stronger wet than dryMohair Hair from an angora goat Accepts dye well Soil-resistant Durable, strong, resilient Very warm for its weight Long, lustrous stapleQiviut Down of a musk ox Extremely soft Accepts dye well Very expensiveRamie Nettle plant Similar to linen -- often used as a substitute for linen Absorbent Accepts dye wellRayon Manufactured from cellulose in wood pulp or cotton Absorbent Accepts dye well Quick-drying Heavy Non-elastic Stretches, but will recover in dryer Weak fiber Most common type of rayon is viscose May shrink if not laundered properlySilk Filament unreeled from the cocoon of a silkworm (tussah silk comes from the wild silkworm)

Smooth, shiny, strong fiber Thinnest of all the natural fibers Accepts dye well Resists pilling Drapes well Stronger dry than wetWool Fleece (hair) of a sheep

Comes in natural colors: gray, brown, white Accepts dye well Contains lanolin, a natural oil that is water-repellent Breathable -- keeps the wearer warm and dry Water- and soil-resistant Good insulator -- lots of warmth for its weight Resilient Will felt if subjected to heat and friction Naturally flame retardant Staple lengths and properties vary with different breeds of sheep

There are a few others I purposly left out.. Way to expensive to use for anything maybe a knitted ring.....these are the most used anyway.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Busy week ahead but I have been getting some fiber fun in too! This is some single Shetland Top being spun on my Ashford Traveller Wheel 357 yards of singlesthen navajo plied (3 ply) into a skein for approx 120 yards... as soon as it's set I'll have 2 skeins with nothing in mind to do with...hmm what to do with approx. 240 yards of luscious fine Shetland....dye, socks, leave white for lacey socks, hat mittens? probbaly will go into a basket with some other skeins for now waiting patiently for me to play with them againnext up on the spinning wheel will be some absolute beautiful black alpaca fleece compliments of my dear friend fromfiberfabricsoapaholicgave me some gorgeous fleece last year...Thank you!! My bobbins is screaming, whining and empty give me A-L-P-A-C-A B-A-B-Y!

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Besides, cleaning the car inside/out, laundry, shopping, yard work, counting stitches on a sock I'm knitting and pluging away at some WIPs....all the normal weekend chores and things (since it's not raining)Looksey what my Lovely DS had done instead of coloring and cutting his pictures like he was supose to be doing, he took it upon himself to destroy his blanket that I made 7 years agohere's a close up, not sure I can even attempt to fix it or match up the yarn....;o((Gotta love him! You should've seen his socks that he was wearing....Now he insists on me making him another blankie.... I told him when I get a chance I'm working on one now for the living room with alpaca which he can NOT have, but I will make him a fish blanket since it's been on my to do list anyway and I've made a couple fishies already just haven't been in any rush....

We did finish all the German treats this past week.. Here's all the toys from inside the chocolate eggs that my lovely SP8 sent me a couple weeks ago...I know very surprising they weren't all gone the first couple days.....heehee I've been really good and stretching the treats out

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

I picked this tea pot but I was hoping someone has more info on it then I have.. there's no imprint on the bottom but it does have a tag on it that says

'This teapot is made from purple clay, a substance found only in Yixing, China, prized for it's fine texture and porosity. Purple clay absorbs the flavor and aroma of brewed tea, a desirable quality that increases over time. beautifully handmade with a red-brown color attained after firing, the highly collectible teapot will be a cherished treasure in your home for many years to come.'

I'ts a small one I'd say one cuppathere was a small sticker on the bottom that said for decorative purposes only? this is where I'm totally confused? Is it really or isn't it? It probably is a fake knock off since it's not stamp but then again I'm not sure.. It's my first one hoping that someone may know more info and will let me know.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

New STR fairgrounds colorway from Blue MoonNeedle Us Sizes 4 on Cuffs, 2 Gussets to Toes & 1 Heels DPNSI'm going to have to rip and redo one of them.. Do you see my dilema?? Look closely to the cuff direction....urghhH!I can't decide on buttons I narrowed it down to 4 different onesclose up of 2 herethe other 2 buttons here, still not sure which to use once that decison is made I think I'll knit them on instead of sewing them onI really have some pooling effect going on, even with all the colors too.. I was very surprised oh well I still like them It's a great mixture of the pooling and stiping going on....

A quick update my knitty friend who recieved the STR Xmas Rock socks says there a perfect fit. She posted to her blog here Yeah!

Friday, June 09, 2006

I finished James Frey second book last night My Friend Leonard defiantely another page turner.. Wish theres was another one, I always hate ending a book and wondering after getting to know all the characters.

On with some knitting news I'm 3/4 way done with my STR fairgrounds Rock & Weave socks which I think I'll have to frog one and redo it....;o((( errrr! Thats what I get for knitting while I'm sleeping I guess.....otehr then that I reallyhaven't done to much latley been so busy offline but.......

Look what I found in my Opal Silk?? a couple knots@! I must have the worst luck with my yarn purchases...here's a little tease a sneak peak of some texture of my new sock pattern will post as soon as it's available with details of where and whenpicot cuff & round toe patterned heal is optionalElmo tried them on, he was bummed they didn't fit!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

3 generations My mother, daughter and me in one picture!! No One has seen this all of us together let alone in one picture no fighting arguments in almost 20 years!!Then one with her step mother- Yes my ex was there too we actually got a picture of us with her to...her we are....haven't had any pictures in a long time with my ex....ekkks! My daughter will have this one for a long time... I hope....Both my girls, my little girl was soo very proud of her big sister, too! Yes, I had to get a picture with her diploma.. Sentimental thing...I'm so proud of her after all the BS and crap over the past few years I'm so glad she made it, by the skin of her teeth too! She Aced all her finals! Amazing for someone who likes to go out for breakfast and doesn't think she needs to be at all her classes that they should wait for her to show up late, doesn't do homework, assignments, etc..... Teenagers!I'm glad it's over and were all in one piece and moving on.. She was hunched over the entire ceremony in pain.. The DR wanted her at the hospital to check her for kidney stones but I wouldn't let her miss graduation so we had to drug her up and go to the hospital afterwards but at least she didn't miss her big day!She's feeling a little better still unclear about the stones urine looks like theres blood & calcium but the blood works it's low and not scene on CT and other tests.. DRs say it's very odd but want to keep on eye on her. Both her father, myself and mother and my little one has all had kidney problems, stones, etc.. She's doomed I think! Plus her back is still hurting from last weeks bike accident. I'm sure she'll be fine soon... All she does is whine & cry in pain! I'm just so glad she done with high school! It's been one nightmare after another...Oh can you believe she wouldn't let me wear my socks with my birks as I usually do! Some nerve ay?! So I carried them in my purse....heehee

Friday, June 02, 2006

Just a simple sock but really neat... The cuffs, heels & toes are worked in garter stitch and the rest in St. Stitch. I made them for a very sweet lady for a little gift to show how much I appreciate her friendship and gifts. I've had lots of fun making these and not much pooling for the first time I think.....lol I hope she enjoys them and being introduced to STR yarn It was so hard to part with them too I liked the way they came out alot! (I'm not usually a bright color type either, so very unusal for me)Used US size 1 needles 2.25mm and can't remember for sure but I think it's Xmas rock colorway.I can't say the size because then she might know there for her and she hasn't recieved them just yet, they in the mail on they way to her now. I can't wait until she gets them so exciting! I sure hope they fit too makes me nervous not seeing the foot myself or doing proper measurements. (yes I know she blog stalks me)A few more days she should have them.....YEAH!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

First thing this morning my sweet cousin gives me a box of Godiva!! She's she sweet & thoughtful she got them as a gift from her boss at work for Secretary's Day! She doesn't like Dark Chocolate can you imgine!?!I immediately dug right in can you tell.....BREAKFAST!! with my morning coffee.. YUM!Then to my suprise again! Second day in a row I was suprised and it's June 1st? My Knitty.com SP& starts off with this package of goodies dont' you just love that paper confetti! How fun!She wrapped everything too in tissue paper so the digging was fun too!Inside I find 2 skeins of DGB self striping sock yarn in chocolate/gray/white, circular needles ID tags for both small and large needles.. WOOHOO Those annoying Addis imprints rub off the cords so easily after the first use and after a while the packages get in rough shape, I keep meaning to order then from Knit Picks but always forget..then a package of write on tabs, maybe I can get my binders of patterns organized I really am thankful for my SP in helping me organize my things now I have to admit I procrastinate a little bit it's knitting time you know.......then a tin with Kermit the Frog on it of mints and a bag of Lindt truffles!!Doesn't the ID tag look perfect on my addis! ;o)Here's a close up of the yarn, almost good enough to eat.....click on the photos for closer viewsTHANK YOU SP! I see that you've been leaving me LOTS of comments and Pms it's been fun! hmm Now who are you?? heehee Your address looks very familar.....:o? lol{{hugs}} I Think you know me pretty well too. Thank you again! I LOVE everything! This next couple months will be interesting I'm sure.. ;o))) YOUR GREAT!!Then this tea company Sarah Woods Traditions sent me a few samples of some teas they carry, single bags but they have both bags, loose & lots of accesories, European coffees, cookies, spices, honey & chocolates!...then last but not least Toni from The Fold sent me a sample card of their New STR by Blue Moon variety of weights top is lightweight needles size 0-2, middle is medium weight needles size 1-3 and bottom heavy weight needles zie 3-4

With all this excitment this week and with my daughter's Graduation coming up Saturday morning early.. Looks like it may rain too! YUK!! I can't find anything to wear yet.. Runnning out of time and haven't had much of it to knit either.. Still plugging away at some socks trying to get a couple pairs finished up at the same time... couple more rows until I reach toes then I can post pictures and cast on more or maybe work on other projects. Hands have been kinda sore the past couple weeks so I've been taking WIPS pretty slow...

I'm trying to follow along with Summer of Stash not sure I can do it but I'm going to try my hardest!

1. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, no yarn purchases allowed. You must knit only from stash.2. Each SoS team member may have up to two exceptions to their rule this summer. For example, if you find us after Memorial Day, you are welcome to join later, and simply designate a later start date as your exception.3. Challenge yourself to reduce your stash in creative or generous ways. Share your projects and ideas with other SoS-ers.4. Rules apply only to yarn purchases. Books, patterns, and needles/notions needed to complete projects are allowed and encouraged if it gets you through the summer.5. Plan and post about special Post-Labor Day Reward.HURRY sign ups end Monday June 5th!

Have a great Summer of Stash! (I'm scared! I do have to shop for my Sps though not me.....It's going to be sooo tempting!)

***All sales to help benefit my son's ongoing medical expenses for medications, hospital visits, travel, gas parking, supplies, equipment, etc...*** (we're currently working on getting a highly sensitive seizure monitoring system with oxygen stats for at home)
Thank you for all the continued support!